What is my favourite story that we have featured in THE quintessential MAGAZINE? It seems to be a popular question from bloggers and the media.

Without doubt, it would have to be our interview and photo shoot with George Cleverley, a bespoke shoe maker based in Old Bond Street, London.

As published in Edition 4’s Meet The Maker, what is not to LOVE about this imagery? Shot by London based photographer, Nassima Rothacker, her empathy and visual story telling is nothing more than poetic and set alongside our interview with George Glasgow Jr, this is without doubt the most inspiring story we have featured (to date!).

George Glasgow Jr is CEO & Creative Director of the bespoke English shoemaker G. J. Cleverley. Cleverley’s charming shop can be found in the heart of London’s West End in the 19th-century Royal Arcade just off Old Bond Street.

Do you believe you can judge a person’s character by their shoes?

Absolutely! It is the first thing a lot of people look at … Always spend good money on your shoes and your bed, because if you’re not in one, then you’re in the other …

Is it true that the relationship with some of your customers has lasted longer than their marriages?

Yes, it’s true and it’s with many customers!

One moment you’ll never forget?

Spending the afternoon at David Beckham’s house … and visiting A-Rod at his house in New York …

Advice you’re glad you didn’t take?

Make women’s shoes! Always focus on what you’re the best at, which is men’s shoes for us.

Why not subscribe today to THE quintessential MAGAZINE (we are a FREE on line publication) and enjoy the full interview and imagery.

Coming from the UK, I find it a tad difficult to get my head around Christmas in July. I mean, really, what is it all about?

Having enjoyed 27 official Christmas Days sat in front of the TV, watching the Queens speech at 3pm, promptly followed at 3.10pm by a headline grabbing Hollywood blockbuster, after wading through enough Turkey and Yorkshire puddings to ensure I wouldn’t fit back into my jeans for a few good weeks, all celebrated on December 25th, I really do struggle to contemplate the idea of 2 Christmas Days within 6 months of each other.

Is it just me? Am I the lone Ebenezer scrooge who is quite happy to say bar humbug to festivities in July?

For all of you that LOVE to dust down the treasured heirlooms and effortlessly decorate your home with an understood nod to the festive season, why not take some inspiration from our launch editions festive story, ‘A quintessentialChristmas’. To view the full story, subscribe today for FREE.